GIMP

This is useful for photo corrections, cuts, composite images and web images. It suits you if you're willing to learn selections and layers. For mostly scalable logos, a vector program is more logical; for large series of RAW photos, a specialist developer can better match your working method.

First try a cut and a color correction on a copy. Export a JPEG or PNG to share and save your editable project separately.

You edit local images without sending them to a website for ordinary image editing. Please note metadata and visible personal data when exporting. Additional plugins can have their own capabilities and access rights. Install them only when you know what you need them for and which developer they come from.

The extensive tools require exercise. Photoshop files and plugins are not completely interchangeable in all cases.

An export to JPEG or PNG does not save your complete layer structure. Therefore, keep the XCF file separate. When printing, check the required color and file settings with the recipient. An image that looks good on your screen does not automatically have the right size or color preparation for printing.

GIMP is a versatile choice if you want to correct photos and build images with layers, selections and masks. You get control over individual parts of an image. That freedom does require you to consciously build up your file. For a simple cut-out it can be extended; for a composite image the same structure provides more editing space.

The deciding factor is how much control you'll need later on about loose parts. Layers and masks make sense for an image with text, cutout and different sources. For only a rapid reduction this construction is not necessary. Therefore, consciously save an editable version and a final file, and check the output for the format on which the reader actually sees it.